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The highly anticipated knockout match featuring England and South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has commenced at the Guwahati stadium. England won the toss and chose to field first, aiming to apply early pressure against their opponents' batting order.

Highlights

• Anthems were sung prior to the start, with the Proteas' rousing song receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were announced and both sides naming competitive lineups.
• The English team secured the toss and chose to bowl. Captain NSB stressed the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone is fit to take part despite some discomfort.

In-Play Action

7th Over: South Africa 41-0 (Wolvaardt 24 runs, Tazmin Brits 13)

NSB took over the bowling to replace Lauren Bell. Zero fours were conceded, thanks to quick work in the field from Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

Sixth Over: South Africa 35-0 (Wolvaardt 22 runs, Brits 10)

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, hit back-to-back boundaries off Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched to the off-side boundary, followed by a loose ball through the covers.

Fifth Over: South Africa 27 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 14, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Brits a dismissal, however the fielding effort from NSB wasn't on target. She then responded with a powerful shot a ball outside off past cover for four. Bell ended the over with a well-pitched ball which rose past the bat.

4th Over: The Proteas 21-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 13, Brits 6 runs)

Linsey Smith delivered a controlled over. Even with the previous opportunity, reports indicate that England have the top fielding record in this competition.

3rd Over: South Africa 19-0 (Wolvaardt 12 runs, Brits 5)

A half-chance was not taken. Brits hammered a ball toward Lauren Bell, that raced for four runs.

Second Over: South Africa 14-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Tazmin Brits 1)

Cloudy skies hovered over Guwahati, and the floodlights were switched on. Linsey Smith appeared more comfortable than in her previous match but served up a loose delivery which Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for four.

1st Over: South Africa 9 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 8, Tazmin Brits 0)

Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, hitting the first ball with style through the covers for four. A subsequent loose ball was cut for another boundary. Bell then tightened her line, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface is said to be different compared to the previous track in the teams' first encounter. It is described as a surface with red soil, which should offer more bounce and assistance for fast bowlers.

Both teams have experienced inconsistent form throughout the tournament. England are considered favourites, but the Proteas have the potential to cause an upset. History shows that England have won both previous semi-final meetings when these teams met.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The pressure is on as both teams targeting a place in the final.

Stay tuned for further developments as the match progresses.